YOUR ROLE

Community services

Please also see our video "Silent Storm" addressing intimate partner violence. (You will need to be at a computer connected to the campus network to access.)

Domestic Violence also known as domestic abuse or
spousal abuse occurs when a family member, partner or ex-partner
attempts to physically or psychologically dominate another. Domestic
violence often refers to violence between spouses, or spousal abuse
but can also include cohabitants and non-married intimate partners.
Domestic violence occurs in all cultures; people of all races,
ethnicities, religions, sexes and classes can be perpetrators of
domestic violence. Domestic violence is perpetrated by both men and
women.

Domestic violence has many forms, including physical
violence, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, intimidation, economic
deprivation, and threats of violence. Violence can be criminal and
includes physical assault (hitting, pushing, shoving, etc.), sexual
abuse (unwanted or forced sexual activity), and stalking. Although
emotional, psychological and financial abuse is not criminal
behaviors, they are forms of abuse and can lead to criminal
violence.

There are a number of dimensions including mode -
physical, psychological, sexual and/or social; frequency - on/off,
occasional, chronic; and severity – in terms of both psychological
or physical harm and the need for treatment – transitory or
permanent injury – mild, moderate, severe up to homicide. If you
are involved in domestic violence or need additional information
contact UHDPS at 713-743-3333.